Effects of Reciprocal Inhibition Versus Post Facilitation Muscle Energy Technique Along With Conventional Physical Therapy in Patients With Piriformis Syndrome: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to compare the effects of reciprocal inhibition with post facilitation muscle energy technique along with conventional physical therapy in terms of pain, functional disability and range of motion at hip joint in patients with piriformis syndrome to find the best suitable and effective treatment for it based on the outcomes.

Males and females between the age of 20-50 years, having buttock pain of ≥ 3 on NPRS since 3 months or more and a score of ≥ 8 on a 12-point clinical scoring system as well as any two of the positive screening tests will be recruited in this study as patients of piriformis syndrome.

These subjects will be selected via non-probability purposive sampling technique, followed by randomization into two groups using blocked randomization method.

A total of 6 treatment sessions will be given to each participant over the duration of 2 weeks with a total of 3 follow-ups after every 2 sessions.

TENS and hot pack followed by reciprocal inhibition technique will be given to the experimental group A, while the active comparator group B will be given TENS and hot pack followed by post-facilitation muscle energy technique.

Both the groups will be guided about the strengthening exercises given as a home plan.

Inclusion criteria

• Age: 20-50 years
• Both Genders
• Chronic pain in buttock and hip area (≥ 3 on NPRS) lasting more than 3 months.
• Shortened piriformis muscle (Internal rotation less than 30°) on muscle length assessment.
• A score of ≥ 8 on a 12-point clinical scoring system.
• At least two positive screening tests.

Exclusion criteria

• Active infection
• Lower lumbar radiculopathy
• Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
• Malignancies
• History of trauma
• Hip Arthroplasty
• Rheumatoid/ Osteoarthritis
• Any neurological dysfunction